Description
One of the most essential ingredients to success in business and life is effective communication.
Join Matt Abrahams, best-selling author and Strategic Communication lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he interviews experts to provide actionable insights that help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. From handling impromptu questions to crafting compelling messages, Matt explores practical strategies for real-world communication challenges.
Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes presentation, perfecting your email tone, or speaking off the cuff, Think Fast, Talk Smart equips you with the tools, techniques, and best practices to express yourself effectively in any situation. Enhance your communication skills to elevate your career and build stronger professional relationships.
Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our eNewsletter at fastersmarter.io.
Episodes
- 2025 / 3 / 11190. Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already WantHow to turn latent motivation into fuel for change.If you want to be a changemaker, you’ll have to convince others to join your cause. But according to Dan Heath, persuading your audience isn’t about creating...
- 2025 / 3 / 4189. Numbers Need Narrative: Use Data to Influence and InspireWhy numbers are only as compelling as the narratives we attach to them.Facts and figures can be your friend, but before you load your presentation full of data, Miro Kazakoff has a word of caution: “Data’s...
- 2025 / 2 / 25188. Mind Reading 101: To Know What Your Audience Thinks, Just AskTo be a great communicator, you have to get out of your own head. But that’s not all, says Matt Lieberman. According to him, you also have to get into the head of someone else.“Mind-reading is this remarkable...
- 2025 / 2 / 20187. Experimenting, Failing, and Finding Your Job Fit - Catalyze Your CareerRethink career success by testing, adapting, and staying open to unexpected opportunities.Career planning isn’t as straightforward as we often assume—but according to Dorie Clark, that’s actually a good...
- 2025 / 2 / 18186. Own Your Impact: How to Communicate Your Personal PowerWhy good communication starts with tapping into your power.Impactful communication isn’t just about the words you use. According to Chris Lipp, it’s about the power you deliver them with.“When we have a...
- 2025 / 2 / 11185. Say Less, Mean More: Craft Compelling CommunicationHow to captivate an audience and make your message stick.Pitches and presentations don’t fall flat because speakers aren’t prepared. For Guy Kawasaki, it’s because speakers miss the point. “If all you're...
- 2025 / 2 / 6184. Fit or Quit? Find the Job That is Right For You—Catalyze Your CareerStay prepared, build your network, and take control of your career.Most of us know that career growth is important—but according to Catherine Fisher, we're thinking about it all wrong. It’s not just about...
- 2025 / 2 / 4183. Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better CommunicationReframe anxiety as a strength and use stress to enhance your communication.Stress, anxiety, nervousness — when these feelings inevitably arise, lecturer Kelly McGonigal says it’s not about making them go...
- 2025 / 1 / 30182. Stop Chasing Time and Start Owning It: Communication, Happiness & WellbeingClarify your purpose — and stop wasting time.The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part...
- 2025 / 1 / 28181. Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communication, Happiness & WellbeingWhy connection is the key to a life well lived.The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part...
- 2025 / 1 / 23180. Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & WellbeingWhy creating happiness in the future starts today.The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part...
- 2025 / 1 / 21179. Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & WellbeingA double definition of happiness — and how to cultivate both parts.The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this...
- 2025 / 1 / 21179. Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing: Finding Positive in Negative EmotionsA double definition of happiness — and how to cultivate both parts.The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this...
- 2025 / 1 / 14178. Navigating Chaos and Uncertainty: The Power of Transparency and EmpathyWhether leading people through a 15-minute meeting or a years-long pandemic, communication requires compassion. For Dr. Anthony Fauci, that means being clear about who we’re speaking to and concise in what we...
- 2025 / 1 / 7177. Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons From 2024Ten essential communication strategies designed to elevate your skills.2024 has been an incredible year for learning and growth, and as we head into 2025, there’s no better time to reflect on the skills and...
- 2025 / 1 / 7177. Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons For 2025Ten essential communication strategies designed to elevate your skills.2024 has been an incredible year for learning and growth, and as we head into 2025, there’s no better time to reflect on the skills and...
- 2024 / 12 / 31176. From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across GenerationsAge diversity and cross-generational synergy can transform an organization.Most of us know age diversity matters in the workplace. But according to UCLA’s Bob McCann, we're thinking about it all wrong: it's...
- 2024 / 12 / 26Ask Matt Anything (AMA) 1: Trust, Paraphrasing, and Nonverbal CuesEnjoy this preview of our first Ask Matt Anything (AMA).We are excited to introduce this special edition of Think Fast, Talk Smart, featuring a preview of our first-ever Ask Matt Anything (AMA) episode....
- 2024 / 12 / 24175. Mastering Toasts and Tributes: Making Your Words CountCrafting impactful toasts for every occasion."Almost reflexively, most of us focus in the moment on how others are perceiving us, yet these situations aren't about us at all." Matt Abrahams, host of Think...
- 2024 / 12 / 17174. Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful MomentsTurn any meeting or get-together into a chance for deep connection and collaboration.Whether you’re holding a team meeting or hosting a family get-together, the success of any gathering, says Priya Parker,...
- 2024 / 12 / 10173. Rethinks: Surviving the HolidaysMaster holiday conversations.The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and, occasionally, communication challenges and as we gather with family, friends, and colleagues, effective communication becomes...
- 2024 / 12 / 5Between the Lines: In Storytelling, Simplify to Amplify - Premium SamplerVisit fastersmarter.io/premium to become a Premium subscriber."Start with the action moment or right before it," advises Hilary Price whose one-panel comic strips offer insights far beyond humor—they’re...
- 2024 / 12 / 3172. Bring Mindfulness to Your CommunicationMindfulness can transform your communication and your career.When we react, our instincts and impulses are in the driver’s seat. But when we take the time to reflect, that’s when Marshall Goldsmith says we...
- 2024 / 11 / 28171. Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 2Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.Make your audience a part of the story.Great storytellers don't just relay information — they create experiences. As magicians, TikTok influencers,...
- 2024 / 11 / 26170. Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 1Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.Wisdom from the witness stand to the newsstand.The best storytellers might not call themselves storytellers at all. But from litigating in the...
- 2024 / 11 / 19169. Don't Be a ZQ: Make Your Conversations Count​​ What makes a great conversation?“Many of us dread small talk,” says Harvard Business School professor and author Alison Wood Brooks. Yet she believes these everyday exchanges are the gateway to deeper...
- 2024 / 11 / 14Launching: Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumIntroducing our new Premium membership, designed to enhance communication and career skills with expanded content and tools. Enjoy early access to live events, AMAs (Ask Matt Anything), EQuips—Essential Quick...
- 2024 / 11 / 12168. How Story Can Change Everything in Your CareerJoin TFTS Premium - Launching this weekMake your message memorable.“Immediately forgettable” — that’s how Matthew Dicks describes most of the business communication that he encounters. If you want to be...
- 2024 / 11 / 5167. Hollywood Lessons For Successful CommunicationBe the first to hear about TFTS Premium -> Sign up for our emailBeyond the Big Screen.Every business meeting, product launch, or marketing communication has something in common with your favorite movie: they...
- 2024 / 10 / 29166. Why Relying on Talent Alone Will Fail YouWhy practice is the key to success.If there’s anyone who knows about performing under pressure, it’s former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck. Whether playing in front of thousands or presenting to ten, his key to...
- 2024 / 10 / 22165. Building Your Personal Brand Makes a Promise: Are You Keeping It?Create more meaningful communication by defining your audience. Before you even think about communicating a message, defining a brand, or developing a strategy, Seth Godin says you have to ask these...
- 2024 / 10 / 15164. Best of: Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence OthersThe inner workings of social influence and persuasion.Want to change someone’s mind? First, explains Robert Cialdini, you have to change their framing.For Cialdini, the Regent's Professor Emeritus of...
- 2024 / 10 / 15164. Rethink: Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence OthersBecome a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.The inner workings of social influence and persuasion.Want to change someone’s mind? First, explains Robert Cialdini, you have to change their...
- 2024 / 10 / 15164. Rethinks: Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence OthersThe inner workings of social influence and persuasion.Want to change someone’s mind? First, explains Robert Cialdini, you have to change their framing.For Cialdini, the Regent's Professor Emeritus of...
- 2024 / 10 / 8163. Is Your Audience Ignoring You? How Authenticity Creates ConnectionHow acceptance and authenticity can transform all of our interactions.What’s the key to experiencing deeper connection in our communication? According to Alan Alda, it starts with acceptance — of others and...
- 2024 / 10 / 1162. Unlock Career Opportunities: How to Make the Right MovesBeing present in the moment and staying open to whatever unfolds.We all want to lead lives and careers full of joy and fulfillment. Maggie Baird certainly has, and the key, she says, is to stay open to new...
- 2024 / 9 / 26Bonus episode: How to Manage Speaking Anxiety the Think Faster, Talk Smarter WayGain control over your speaking and excel in your communication.For the first anniversary of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt Abrahams shares strategies from the first chapter, focusing on managing...
- 2024 / 9 / 26Bonus: How to Manage Speaking Anxiety the Think Faster, Talk Smarter WayGain control over your speaking and excel in your communication.For the first anniversary of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt Abrahams shares strategies from the first chapter, focusing on managing...
- 2024 / 9 / 24161. Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You’re Talking ToKnow your audience and tailor the message for them.In high-stakes communication, every word counts. For Jen Psaki, that means knowing who she’s talking to — so she knows just what to say.As the former White...
- 2024 / 9 / 17160. Best of: How to Communicate Your GameplanWhy organizational strategy can be both top-down and bottom-up.As Professor Jesper Sørensen sees it, a winning strategy is the result of conversations, not commands, and that strategy can be directed from the...
- 2024 / 9 / 17160. Rethinks: How to Communicate Your GameplanWhy organizational strategy can be both top-down and bottom-up.As Professor Jesper Sørensen sees it, a winning strategy is the result of conversations, not commands, and that strategy can be directed from the...
- 2024 / 9 / 17160. Rethink: How to Communicate Your GameplanBecome a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.Why organizational strategy can be both top-down and bottom-up.As Professor Jesper Sørensen sees it, a winning strategy is the result of...
- 2024 / 9 / 10159. Earn Your Audience: You Can’t Lead If No One’s ListeningWhat it takes to develop as a leader.Great leaders and great communicators aren't born, they're made. That's why John Hennessy and Tina Seelig, directors of Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars, are...
- 2024 / 9 / 3158. Hope for Cynics: Building Trusting Relationships through Communication“Acts of trust are the bedrock on which relationships are formed.”There’s a lot in the world to make us cynical about other people and their motives and intentions. But by “trusting loudly,” Professor Jamil...
- 2024 / 8 / 27157. Communicating the Future: Defining Where We Want AI to Take UsArtificial intelligence can now do a lot of things. But if you’re worried about it taking your place as a communicator, Russ Altman says you need to question why you’re communicating in the first place.Altman...
- 2024 / 8 / 20156. Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate Our ValuesAs a designer, Scott Doorley is interested in how humans create the world around them. It’s a conversation, he says, that starts with the question: What kind of world do we want?Doorley is the academic and...
- 2024 / 8 / 13155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and DirectlyNavigators know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. In charting a course through communication, Susan Rice says the best route is often the most direct.Throughout her career at the...
- 2024 / 8 / 6154. Best of: Communicating Better as a Leader"In a leadership role, so much more of communication is about connecting with people, establishing shared humanity, motivating them, inspiring them, sometimes challenging them." On August 1,...
- 2024 / 8 / 6154. Rethink: Communicating Better as a LeaderBecome a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium."In a leadership role, so much more of communication is about connecting with people, establishing shared humanity, motivating them, inspiring them,...
- 2024 / 8 / 6154. Rethinks: Communicating Better as a Leader"In a leadership role, so much more of communication is about connecting with people, establishing shared humanity, motivating them, inspiring them, sometimes challenging them."Â On August 1, 2024, Jonathan D....